The Little Golden Book of Hymns Value Guide

The Little Golden Book of Hymns 1947 Elsa Jane Werner ...
The Little Golden Book of Hymns
Estimated Value
$15 – $20
Period
1947
Origin
United States
Materials
Paper, cardboard

The Little Golden Book of Hymns is a quintessential piece of 1940s Americana, featuring the iconic, soft-focus illustrations of Corinne Malvern. This 1947 edition represents the Golden Age of children's publishing, where high-quality art was made accessible to the masses for just twenty-five cents.

What Is The Little Golden Book of Hymns Worth?

The typical price range for The Little Golden Book of Hymns is $15 - $20 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the gold foil spine; peeling or loss significantly reduces the $15-$20 market value.
  • Presence of 'scribble' or owner names on the 'This Book Belongs To' plate, which is common in vintage children's books.
  • The edition letter; 'A' printings from 1947 command the highest prices compared to later reprints.
  • Overall paper preservation, specifically looking for foxing or yellowing typical of 1940s paper stock.

How to Identify The Little Golden Book of Hymns?

  • Check the title page for the 1947 copyright date and the Western Printing and Lithographing Company attribution.
  • Verify the presence of the signature gold foil spine, a hallmark of the Little Golden Book series.
  • Look for the distinct artistic style of Corinne Malvern, characterized by rosy-cheeked children and detailed mid-century settings.
  • Confirm the 'A' edition letter on the back page near the spine to identify a true first printing.

History of The Little Golden Book of Hymns

Little Golden Books have been a beloved part of children's literature since 1942, offering affordable, high-quality stories. This particular volume, 'The Little Golden Book of Hymns,' was published in 1947 and features the beautiful illustrations of Corinne Malvern, known for her charming and detailed artwork that brought many Golden Books to life.

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